Buying a house in 2025: your how-to guide

NFL Thanksgiving Games Predictions, Picks, Props: Full Thursday Preview - The Action NetworkWith the development of The Witcher 4 now well underway , questions about what platforms the title will launch on are already being asked, with one dev not so keen on the approach taken with regards to 2023's Game of the Year, Baldur's Gate 3 . In a recent interview with Eurogamer , Charles Tremblay, vice president of technology at Witcher developer CD Projekt Red , was questioned about a potential PC-first launch for the sequel to 2015 Game of the Year The Witcher 3 , similar to Larian Studios' approach to Baldur's Gate 3. This was posited as a means of avoiding some of the development struggles Cyberpunk 2077 faced thanks to working with last-gen consoles, but is something that Tremblay did not seem particularly keen on. "It's something we discussed, actually, but we're not 100 percent sure. Maybe - so it's hard to say if we want to go this way at this stage." he begins. " would assume that as long as I understand, like, the strategy we want to do - I'm just trying not to say too much, bear with me - most likely, the launch, we will not have a PC-only launch, for example." On the other hand, Tremblay made clear that while The Witcher 4 will likely launch across multiple platforms, this certainly does not mean it will launch on all platforms. "That being said, will it mean that we will have - let's say there were 20 platforms available - we'll have 20 at launch? Maybe not. But at least PC only, and then scattered, it's not necessarily the approach we want to go forward, for sure." However, The Witcher 4 is, of course, still very early in development, and while the team at CDPR have a strategy in place for how the game's launch will likely take place, there's plenty of time for things to change before that release date comes. For now, though, console fans can likely rest easy that a PC-only launch does not seem on the cards for The Witcher 4. "I don't think this is a strategy we want to adopt right now." While you wait for CDPR's next masterpiece, check out some of the best RPGs around to tide you over.11 states sue three largest institutional investors for anticompetitive trade practices

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By Abby Badach Doyle, NerdWallet It won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. Related Articles Real Estate | New law could help California renters facing eviction stay in their homes Real Estate | California No. 1 for crazy, pretentious residents, poll says Real Estate | Southern California hiring dips 47% below average in November Real Estate | Is California living worth the costs and taxes? Real Estate | California homebuying jumps 20%, biggest gain in 41 months First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.” More From NerdWallet Abby Badach Doyle writes for NerdWallet. Email: abadachdoyle@nerdwallet.com. The article Buying a House in 2025: Your How-To Guide originally appeared on NerdWallet .6 Best Tech Deals Under $200 at Amazon This DecemberWill Utah State or Boise State forfeit vs. San Jose State in the Mountain West semifinals?

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall: ‘I’ve never thought of myself as eccentric. I still don’t’Guests at the 2024 College Station Christmas Parade can expect carefully crafted floats, holiday music and the grand arrival of Santa Claus himself. The College Station Christmas Parade, which debuted last year, will kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday at Post Oak Mall. Next, it will travel west down Holleman Drive, turn south at Dartmouth Street, cross Southwest Parkway, turn east on Krenek Tap Road and end at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park. Over 70 organizations from both Bryan and College Station will join the parade and possibly compete in a friendly competition for best dance/cheer group, marching bands, mounted units and floats. Multiple parking spots are available at Post Oak Mall, Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater, Bob & Wanda Meyer Senior & Community Center, College Station Municipal Court Complex and the College Station Police Department headquarters. The parade will end with the arrival of Santa Claus in Central Park on the last float.Millions of you have turned to each month in 2024 to see the latest scientific breakthroughs and technological debacles and everything in between. Using a secret formula of readership statistics, social activity, and curatorial instinct, we have collected 22 (why not!) stories spanning everything from DIY home tips to (so-called) gates of hell to (real) transparent mice. Peruse our most popular headlines of 2024 below and click through to read the stories. We love answering our readers’ questions in our series When posed with a question of what to do with Earth’s ever-mounting piles of e-waste, plastic, recalled microwaves, bedbug-ridden couches, beached tankers, what have you... One of our readers had the idea of shooting it all into the sun. contributor Harri Weber and consulted experts to see if it was viable in one of our most read stories of the year. Short answer: No. But why? The answer is... practical. (If you’re feeling inspired, you can always submit your burning questions using . Nothing is too outrageous for us to tackle, clearly.) If you were on the internet at all during the first two years of the pandemic, you may have seen a very floating around. It insisted that while we were sequestered to our homes by well-meaning health authorities, the lack of human activity in the outside world had resulted in a sort of ecological Renaissance. Turns out that that wasn’t actually true. contributor Lauren Leffer behind the viral (but fake) phenomena. And no, dolphins weren’t swimming in the Venice canals. Sorry. The Mastervoice Butler in a Box was the original home voice assistant, first introduced way back in 1983, costing more than $4,000 a pop in today’s money. Our intrepid video team set out to find it and reactivate it more than forty years later. It was a journey! Watch us What happens if you ingest collagen? A market will tell you that its benefits are plentiful, especially if you’re trying to revitalize your skin’s youthful glow. Contributor Hannah Seo digs into the claims on a granular... nay, molecular level. For more on collagen drinks, dermatology advice, and the wild world of under-regulated supplements, You know you can recycle, upcycle, and repair your old sunglasses instead of contributing to piles of garbage (which, we repeat, you just launch into the sun) and wasting money? Of the we’ve published this year, something about sunglasses piqued your interest. 😎 It may sound like stuff of science fiction, but, with the help of physics and chemistry, scientists have turned the bellies of live lab mice nearly transparent, allowing for an unobstracted view of the pumping and throbbing innards within. Oh, also they used a dye commonly found in your most orange snacks. Wild! You can and , if you don’t believe us. Usually, orcas hang and hunt in pods, but this solitary creature with a taste for blood all by itself. Our resident expert all things under the sea Laura Baisas observed this gnarly display of nature. We love a good heist... and airplanes! Staff writer Andrew Paul spotted earlier this year. All that effort and creativity, but the alleged smugglers did not get away with it this time. This was the first documented case of in an extremely rare case of . In a lab experiment, a type of marine algae and a bacterium had combined into one living organism. Scientists predict that this event could not have happened in the last billion years... that we know of! There are named after a biblical destination of eternal damnation. But appears to be growing. Uh-oh. In yet we explore RCA’s ill-fated attempt at making the home media system Selectavision 400 happen. It was a disaster for the company. Of course, we had to get one of these and try to make it work. The struggle was real. Did you know that there’s a sweet spot of optimal battery power for your Android phone? Shocking, we know, but it’s not 100%. contributor and tech hacks extraordinaire David Nield Whether or not you can handle it psychologically is up to you. Did you know ? Neither did we until inspired DIY’er Debbie Wolfe outline this and many more uses for this supposed waste product. For more home tips from Debbie, check out her , , and . Humans grow and change. It’s part our nature. Not this guy. has been found to have the slowest rate of molecular evolution among all jawed vertebrates, with its genome changes much more slowly than other vertebrates walking and swimming around the globe. That might explain the “old soul” look in Gar’s eyes. Kristin Shaw, our contributor for all things auto, dug into the history of Ski-Doo, the only snowmobile quiet enough to be allowed at Yellowstone National Park. If you’re interested in rules, regulations, and snowmobile design, We were told to squish as many of these brightly-patterned bugs as we could, but has it made a difference? In this very through feature from Lauren Leffer, we not only answer your burning question but break down exactly how invasive species get designated and dealt with. the scientific mysteries of ecological imbalance. Meanwhile, keep squishing. We’ll let the scientists speak for this one: “Watching an invasive apex predator swallow a full-sized deer in front of you is something that you will never forget.” Yikes! and try, try to unsee it. These that apply to both Windows and macOS will not only keep your computer running smoothly, they will help you declutter your life. Try them out and find out for yourself. Ever touched the soft flesh bags dangling from your ear and wondered, what are these even for? (Besides wearing earrings, of course.) on vestigial organs and offered some very convincing theories on the evolutionary mystery of earlobes in this feature. Ever wondered how electronic drums and cymbals work? What do they sound like? What do they feel like? This hands-on breakdown from Stan Horaczek . This one was close to Andrew’s heart, and we’re glad our readers shared the interest. At the intersection of luck and technology, meet the kid that finally “beat” this game, , and learn more about the history of Tetris kill screens, mods, and “hypertapping.” Laura spotted this ultra-rare specimen on and interviewed the scientists that received it as a donation. Then, stay tuned for more amazing animals, groundbreaking inventions, and handy tips in 2025.

By Abby Badach Doyle, NerdWallet It won’t be impossible to buy a house in 2025 — just be prepared to play on hard mode. According to a November 2024 report from ICE Mortgage Technology, the monthly principal and interest payment on an average-priced home is $2,385. While that’s not the highest it’s ever been, it’s still a sharp increase — nearly 80% — from just three years ago. In November 2021, when mortgage rates averaged 3%, the monthly principal and interest on an average-priced home was $1,327 per month. So here’s the key to buying in 2025: Look ahead, not back. Regret won’t help you budget for today’s new normal. And with this year’s election also in the rearview mirror, so is some uncertainty among buyers and sellers that historically slows the market during every presidential election cycle. “People have just been kind of sitting waiting to see what’s going to happen,” says Courtney Johnson Rose, president of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, an industry group for Black real estate agents. “I’m hopeful that the new year will bring more attention to real estate, more excitement to real estate, and more opportunities for first-time home owners to get in the game.” Preparing to buy a house is a lot like dressing for the weather. It’s easier when the outlook is sunny — but with some planning, you can gear up to face any condition. Here’s what housing market experts are forecasting for the upcoming year. First, home prices: We’ll likely see more modest growth in 2025, a change from skyrocketing prices in recent years. After 16 consecutive months of year-over-year price increases, the median existing-home sales price hit $407,200 in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. In 2025, with more supply trickling in to temper price increases, NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun forecasts a median existing-home sales price of $410,700, up just 2% over this year. Next, housing inventory: Demand still outpaces supply. While we don’t expect a return to a buyer’s market, competition should be less cutthroat. Realtor.com forecasts a balanced market in 2025 with an average 4.1-month supply of homes for sale, up from an average 3.7-month supply so far in 2024. That would make 2025 the friendliest market for buyers since 2016, which had an average 4.4-month supply. Finally, mortgage rates: After topping 8% in October 2023, the 30-year mortgage rate has slowly eased into the 6.5%-7% range this year. Rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have helped nudge that downward. Despite earlier optimism, forecasters’ latest consensus is for rates to effectively plateau above 6% throughout 2025. That said, every year has its wild cards. In 2025, it’s still uncertain how President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican-led Congress might shake up regulations and tax policies that affect the U.S. housing market. National forecasts don’t analyze what matters most: Your personal cash flow. To get ready to buy, first meet with a financial advisor or use an online calculator to determine how much house you can afford . You can also get free or low-cost advice from a housing counselor sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Next, look into down payment and closing cost assistance from state housing finance agencies, local governments, nonprofits and mortgage lenders. Your employer or labor union might offer assistance, too. First-time buyers with income below their area median have the most options, but repeat or higher-income borrowers can qualify for some programs as well. “I think that there’s a lot of free money being left out there,” Rose says. Your not-so-secret weapon for buying in 2025 just might be an experienced buyer’s agent. “Anybody can write a contract,” says Sharon Parker, associate broker with Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye, New Hampshire. “But you need somebody who’s seen the market, the ups and downs, who knows how to get creative because every transaction is different.” Following a settlement with the NAR , buyers can now negotiate their agent’s compensation up front. (Previously, home sellers took on that task.) While new norms are still shaking out, Rose says she hasn’t seen too much drama since the change took effect in August. “So as long as buyers remember that we have to talk about this in the beginning of our relationship, everything typically works out fine,” she says. Finally, it’s time to shop for a mortgage. To get the best interest rate, get a quote with at least three different lenders. You could also delegate the shopping to a mortgage broker, who can compare quotes and even negotiate a lower rate on your behalf. Though brokers charge a fee, their access to more mortgage options and lower rates can often mean net savings overall. With a mortgage preapproval in hand, it’s go time. And you don’t have to wait until spring: If you’re ready to buy now, buyers have less competition and more negotiating power from December through February, so you could snag a deal. “The people who are selling and the people who are buying in the off season are very serious,” Parker says. “They’re not just lookie-loos.” However, lower inventory means fewer choices for buyers. So start your search prepared to compromise — a “good enough” house will still help you build equity. If a down payment or monthly mortgage payment is financially out of reach, there’s no shame in postponing your search to pad your savings. And owning a home isn’t the right lifestyle choice for everyone, with the ongoing commitment of money and time. But once you’re ready to buy — whether for the first time, or to upgrade or downsize — avoid the trap of waiting for a dip in mortgage rates. “Nobody can predict what the market, or the world, is going to do,” Parker says. “There is no better time than right now.” Mortgage rates will always fluctuate, and if they drop significantly, you can refinance. For first-time buyers, homeownership is a major financial glow-up — and the sooner you jump in, the longer you’ll have to build home equity. “Time value of money is really, really critical when it comes to real estate,” Rose says. “So I would always encourage somebody to buy as soon as you can and get the clock ticking.” More From NerdWallet Abby Badach Doyle writes for NerdWallet. Email: abadachdoyle@nerdwallet.com. The article Buying a House in 2025: Your How-To Guide originally appeared on NerdWallet .Photo: Contributed Penticton's Winter Recreation Guide is dropping online and in print this week. On Wednesday, Nov. 27, residents will be able to peruse and plan for programming ahead of registration day the following week. This edition promises adult programming "including family shinny, mini doodlers, Zumba and West African drumming classes as well as new recreation opportunities such as 'learn to speak Spanish,' 'introduction to screenwriting' and drop-in fitness classes," according to a city press release. “Drop-in fitness opportunities have expanded due to popular demand, and we’re thrilled to offer even more classes this season,” said city manager of recreation, arts and culture, Joanne Malar. “HIIT style classes, Cardio Box, dance fitness classes as well as strength and stretching programs are all available in this important community program format. We encourage everyone to take a look at the Winter Recreation Guide to discover what classes and program fit their interests and schedules.” The guide will be available online at penticton.ca/recguide or can be picked up at these locations: Penticton Community Centre Okanagan College (Penticton location) Penticton Seniors Drop-in Centre OneSky Community Resources Penticton Public Library Penticton Art Gallery BGC Okanagan Registration starts at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 for Penticton residents or Thursday, Dec. 5 for non-residents. "Swim registration sign up will be announced via Recreation Penticton’s social media channels in December. Sign up online through the City’s website at penticton.ca/register or by calling the Penticton Community Centre at 250-490-2426 ext. 6."

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A fight broke out at midfield after Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday as Wolverines players attempted to plant their flag and were met by Buckeyes who confronted them. Police had to use pepper spray to break up the players, who threw punches and shoves in the melee that overshadowed the rivalry game. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Scouted: PSA: LYMA’s Luxury At-Home Laser Is 20% Off Ahead of Black Friday

MILAN, Italy (AP) — Atalanta went to the top of Serie A when Ademola Lookman scored with three minutes remaining to beat AC Milan 2-1 on Friday. Atalanta’s ninth win in a row was a fitting gift to coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who was awarded the coach of the month award earlier in the day for guiding his team to a perfect record in November. Charles De Ketelaere put the home side ahead with a towering header after 11 minutes only for Milan to level 11 minutes later. Theo Hernández released Rafael Leão on the right wing and his inviting cross was converted by Álvaro Morata. Milan, which lost Christian Pulišić to a knock before halftime, looked set to end Atalanta’s impressive run but Lookman nipped in at the back post to nod home a corner in the dying moments. Atalanta has 34 points, two more than Napoli, which has a game in hand against Lazio on Sunday. Milan was in seventh place. Serie A champion Inter defeated Parma 3-1 and extended the Milan club’s unbeaten run to 13 games. Federico Dimarco put the home side ahead five minutes before halftime when he worked a neat one-two with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and fired a low shot past Zion Suzuki. Nicolò Barella made it two eight minutes into the second half when he finished a fast counterattack with aplomb. Marcos Thuram's 10th goal of the season made it 3-0 in the 66th. A Matteo Darmian own goal gave some late consolation for Parma. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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